Bangladesh is poised for a record maize harvest this year as farmers increasingly switch from wheat and paddy to corn cultivation, particularly in the northern region.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported a record 4.87 million tonnes of maize produced in FY2024 from 514,000 hectares. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) now estimates the area has grown to over 550,000 hectares in FY2025, continuing a decade-long trend.

Experts say strong demand from the poultry, livestock, and food processing sectors has made maize more profitable than traditional crops. Lower production costs and improved technology have also driven the shift.

Harvesting has just begun, and the agriculture ministry projects production will reach 6 million tonnes, close to meeting national demand.

In Nilphamari, maize acreage rose to 33,200 hectares this year from 28,000 last year, while wheat cultivation has sharply declined. Boro rice fields, though stable at around 81,000 hectares, have also seen some conversion to maize.

According to DAE data, maize is now grown on 127,000 hectares across five districts in the Rangpur region, up from 117,000 last year. Meanwhile, wheat acreage has dropped by nearly half to just 14,000 hectares.

Farmer-entrepreneur Imtiaz Kabir Chowdhury in Nilphamari said maize yields 35–40 maunds per bigha, with costs 20–30% lower than Boro rice. Farmers are currently selling maize at Tk24–25 per kg, with prices rising to Tk36–40 in the off-season.